Additional photos - taken today. Aside from that slight whirling on the pick guard, its spotless. i guess that's simply the effect of the back of my thumb against the guard because i dont use a pick and dont slap. some of this was there from previous owner as he mentioned same thing

There's not a single USA part on the import versions. The pickups, electronics, hardware are all just "licensed" knock offs of the real thing. The wood used in inferior to the US wood, as well as the fit and finish isn't up to par.
It's not a bad bass by any means, and it gets in the ballpark tone of the US made stuff. Most play and feel Ok as well - given the price point. But saying "IMO" that you think it's the same as the US is misleading at worst.